Consequences Of Farmer-Herder Conflicts On Farm Labour Participation In South West, Nigeria

Climate change is having severe impacts on the pastures and ecosystems that nomadic herders depend on for survival. Additionally, it is leading to more frequent extreme weather events. Consequently, nomadic migration to Southwest Nigeria has increased as herders search for suitable grazing pastures for their cattle. The rise in migration has resulted in conflicts between herders and farmers as they compete for limited resources. This study investigated the factors driving farmerherder conflicts in South West Nigeria, using primary data obtained from structured questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 180 farmers who had been directly affected by the conflicts. The data was subjected to analysis utilizing Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Logit model. The results from the OLS model indicate that farmer-herder conflicts in the study area were intensified by the destruction of farmland and crops caused by cattle (a = 0.025697, p<0.05), as well as by household size (a = 0.146748, p<0.01). Conversely, the availability of grievance redress mechanisms (a = -0.019993, p<0.01) and higher levels of education (a = -0.038738, p<0.05) had a significant reducing effect on farmer-herder conflicts in the study area. The Logit model revealed that number of dispute/clashes, displacement of farm households, and the value of crops damaged by cattle, increased the probability of respondents' engagement in non-farm labour by 0.66, 0.24, and 0.68 percent respectively. The study recommends prohibiting open grazing and restricting cattle movement in public. The Logit model revealed that number of dispute/clashes, displacement of farm households, and the value of crops damaged by cattle, increased the probability of respondents' engagement in non-farm labour by 0.66, 0.24, and 0.68 percent respectively. The study recommends prohibiting open grazing and restricting cattle movement in public.